NATO strengthens political dialogue with BiH and Serbia

(Patria) - NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Javier Colomina, during his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, welcomed the adoption of the Reform Programme for 2021 and 2022 by the Council of Ministers of BiH, and highlighted the scope of cooperation between the NATO Alliance and Serbia in various areas “with full respect for the established policy of military neutrality of Serbia”.

Colomina in Bosnia and Herzegovina spoke with the Chairman of the Presidency Šefik Džaferović, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josip Brkić, and Assistant Minister for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Defence Zoran Šajinović.

In Serbia, he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević.

In BiH, Colomina welcomed the adoption of the Reform Programme for 2021 and 2022 by the country's Council of Ministers aimed at strengthening cooperation with the NATO Alliance, and the recent extension of the mandate of EUFOR Althea, and reiterated that NATO continues to support the EU-led operation under the Berlin Plus arrangements.

“He emphasised NATO's firm commitment to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its state structures, which remain key for lasting security and stability throughout the region. He also stressed the importance of continued efforts to move reforms forward, for the benefit of all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the NATO Alliance statement said.

Discussions also covered NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina consultations on finalising a package of enhanced support aimed at “strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina's resilience and modernising its defence and security structures,” N1 reports.

Colomina also met with the First Deputy High Representative, Jonathan Mennuti, and reiterated NATO's strong support for the efforts of the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo.

In Serbia, Colomina highlighted the scope of the long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership between the NATO Alliance and that country and its development in various areas of cooperation, “with full respect for the established policy of military neutrality of Serbia”.

“In light of the current situation in the north of Kosovo, he emphasised the continued stabilising role of the NATO-led KFOR mission under the UN mandate, which guarantees a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities living in Kosovo. KFOR also provides a security framework to support the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Priština dialogue,” the statement said.

Colomina also stressed NATO's commitment to stability across the Western Balkans region and its strategic importance for the Alliance, as clearly highlighted in NATO's new Strategic Concept.